THE government today released the much anticipated audit report on 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB), tightening the noose around Najib Razak and individuals linked to the scandal-ridden company.

This came after Auditor-General Madinah Mohamad met with Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad earlier today.

“I refer to the 1MDB audit report which was classified as secret on January 22, 2016 and was presented to the Public Accounts Committee on March 4, 2016.

“I would like to inform that the audit report on 1MDB has been reclassified as an open document,” she said in a press statement, adding that an executive summary of the report is now available on the Audit Department’s website.

Former prime minister Najib Razak had ordered the audit in 2015 following allegations of misappropriation involving billions of ringgit at the state fund, but then classified it as secret when it was completed.

Najib himself had been accused of embezzling RM2.6 billion from 1MDB, which was found deposited in his personal accounts. He denied any wrongdoing and said the money was a donation from a Saudi royal.

The US Department of Justice has also identified Low Taek Jho, a close associate of Najib’s, as a key player in the scandal, in which at least US$4.5 billion (RM17.8 billion) have been misappropriated.

Reopening investigations into 1MDB is one of Pakatan Harapan’s key campaign promises before the May 9 elections, in which it emerged victorious. – May 15, 2018.